I was never very keen on buying rings online but in a post covid 19 world, the digital age is really coming together to make it easier than before to know what your ring size is. It might come as surprise as well to learn there are several ways to measure your ring size.
If you’ve been trying to get the answer it can feel a bit much with a lot of different advice so I’ve put together the most comprehensive ring measuring guide out there.
There are also so many questions to consider when buying a ring online and I’m here to address them all. If you have any more questions feel free to drop them in the comments and I can reply with further help.
Cover Photo Credit: V by Laura Vann.
If you have an existing ring to measure
This is the easiest way to measure your ring size. However, it’s important to consider which finger you wear this ring on.
If you are buying a ring and are using an existing ring to compare the size a ring typically worn on an index finger will be bigger than a ring finger. For greatest accuracy use a ring with a similar band width and style to that you want to buy.
You can lie the ring flat on a surface you can measure the internal diameter. Check the measurement twice to be sure and see where the ring sits on the chart below.
Alternatively you can print out a ring sizer and check the size of your ring. Make sure you follow the print guidelines so that the sizer prints to the correct scale.
Monica Vinader Printable Ring Sizer
Annoushka Printable Ring Sizer
If you don’t have a ring to measure:
If you don’t have a ring to measure you will need to measure the finger you want this ring for. A lot of places suggest using string to measure your finger but paper is probably better. String can be stretched whereas paper can’t be so I think it’s going to give you a better measurement.
Wrap the narrow piece of paper comfortably around your intended finger.
Mark the end (where it meets) and measure the distance. This is the circumference.
Match this measurement to the circumference column in the below conversion chart.
We suggest measuring twice just to be on the safe side.
Order a ring sizer from one of these cool brands:
There are quite a few brands that you can order a ring sizer from. See our shortlist below on where to get a ring sizer.
There are two kinds of ring sizers, one that measures your finger and one that measures your rings.
A ring sizer for your finger sizer looks like this. As you can see it can be easily wrapped around your finger and you can see the measurement. What’s great about these is you can measure different fingers and this will be very accurate.
If you do get a ring sizer it’s worth measuring your fingers in the morning and then separately at night. Our hands can swell and shrink throughout the day. Measuring at a few different times and a few different days will show you a good average.
The other type of ring sizer measures your rings. Annoushka jewellery has a cute one you can order and match up to an existing ring.
Alternatively there some free downloadable and printable ones mentioned earlier in the article.
Tips For Measuring Your Ring Size
If you fall between two ring sizes:
Some brands make half sizes in rings but it’s not super common. If you measure your ring size and it falls between 2 sizes, I advise you to order the larger size.
Temperature can affect your ring size
I often notice that the temperature makes a huge difference for me. In the summer some of my rings can feel a little bit tighter than usual and in the winter they can feel looser around my fingers and sometimes I move them around my hand to accommodate this.
Have a look at the ring band design
It’s advisable with a really thick or wide ring band to go up a size. Normally I would suggest that if the ring band is wider than 7mm it’s worth going up a size.
If you are buying a chain ring it’s recommended that you go up a size as well. What’s a chain ring we hear you ask? Head over our article all about chain rings and if you should buy one.
Check the exchange or refund policy
Checking the exchange and refund policy, especially when the shops are closed and it’s not possible to go into a jewellers in person, is more important than ever. Does the brand or store offer free returns or exchanges? Don’t get caught out having to pay for shipping twice.
If you really want to get a ring size correct from day one then it can be worth buying two and returning one. If you want to exchange for a different size you might have to wait for the initial purchase to be returned.
Don’t get confused with S/M/L/XL sizes.
In the UK where we use alphabetical sizes for rings, this can get very confusing when you look at the notation for Small, Medium, Large.
With the alphabetical scale the later the letter in the alphabet the larger the ring size. This means an S would be bigger than an M.
The most common sizes offered by sized rings are, L,M,N,O,P.
M and N are fairly average ring sizes for a woman in the UK. L or J are small. Remember depending on which finger you want ot wear the ring will affect the size. My left index finger is usually an O/P and my left hand ring finger is usually an M/N.
Now you know your ring size what’s next?
Right, now you know what your ring size is it’s worth noting down the international conversions. Several different brands, depending on their country of origin, will use different scaling.
As you might have noticed in the UK we use an alphabetical size chart and most international countries use a numerical chart.
Here are the ring conversions between countries so that you can give any brand the sizing information they need.
| Inside Diameter MM | Inside Circumference MM | British & Australian | US & Canada | Europe |
| 14.05 | 44.14 | F | 3 | 44 |
| 14.15 | 44.45 | F 1/2 | 3 1/8 | |
| 14.36 | 45.11 | G | 3 3/8 | 45 |
| 14.56 | 45.74 | G 1/2 | 3 5/8 | |
| 14.65 | 46.02 | H | 3 3/4 | 46.5 |
| 14.86 | 46.68 | H 1/2 | 4 | |
| 15.04 | 47.25 | I | 4 1/4 | 47 |
| 15.27 | 47.97 | I 1/2 | 4 1/2 | |
| 15.40 | 48.38 | J | 4 5/8 | 48.5 |
| 15.70 | 49.32 | J 1/2 | 5 | |
| 15.80 | 49.64 | K | 5 1/8 | 50 |
| 16.00 | 50.27 | K 1/2 | 5 3/8 | |
| 16.10 | 50.58 | L | 5 1/2 | 51 |
| 16.41 | 51.55 | L 1/2 | 5 7/8 | |
| 16.51 | 51.87 | M | 6 | 52 |
| 16.7 | 52.50 | M 1/2 | 6 1/4 | |
| 16.92 | 53.16 | N | 6 1/2 | 53.5 |
| 17.13 | 53.82 | N 1/2 | 6 3/4 | |
| 17.35 | 54.51 | O | 7 | 55 |
| 17.45 | 54.82 | O 1/2 | 7 1/4 | |
| 17.75 | 55.76 | P | 7 1/2 | 56 |
| 17.9 | 56.45 | P 1/2 | 7 3/4 | |
| 18.19 | 57.15 | Q | 8 | 57 |
| 18.35 | 57.65 | Q 1/2 | 8 1/4 | |
| 18.6 | 58.47 | R | 8 5/8 | 58.5 |
| 18.8 | 59.06 | R 1/2 | 8 7/8 | |
| 19.1 | 60.00 | S | 9 | 59.5 |
| 19.3 | 60.66 | S 1/2 | 9 3/8 | |
| 19.5 | 61.29 | T | 9 5/8 | 61 |
Cover Photo Credit: V by Laura Vann.
